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Bruce rebuffs Morrison talk

By Mark Kendall

Last Updated: 01/01/70 1:00am

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce has urged Clinton Morrison to buckle down and try to fight his way back into the first team picture at St Andrews.

Morrison cost the Midlanders a club record £4.5 million when he arrived from Crystal Palace in the summer of 2002, but has struggled to make an impression this term after battling back from a shoulder injury.

The Republic of Ireland international striker has yet to start a Premiership game this season, and had admitted that he was tempted by the prospect of a loan move to Sunderland in order to secure regular first-team action.

However, Bruce has now come forward to insist he has no plans to farm out the 24-year-old.

"I've spoken to Clinton and he doesn't know where the stories about him being loaned out have come from," stated the former Manchester United stopper.

"With one exception, I want this squad to stick together.

"I don't want players out on loan.

"I can understand why Clinton maybe feels upset.

"I don't expect any player who is out on a regular basis to be happy."

The one player Bruce is reported to be willing to let leave St Andrews is goalkeeper Ian Bennett, with Sheffield United believed to be preparing a loan swoop for the custodian.